Francis E. Martini
With sadness and a heavy heart, we mourn the passing of Francis E. Martini, Esq., of New Paltz, who died on Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2013. He was 93 years old.
Born Sept. 12, 1920, in Brooklyn, he was the son of Vito V. and Anna (Russo) Martini.
He married the love of his life, Barbara A. Bond 62 years ago on August 25, 1951, in Greensboro, N.C. Barbara survives at home in New Paltz.
Mr. Martini graduated from New Utrecht High School in Brooklyn in 1938 and from Brooklyn College in 1942; and later received his law degree from New York Law School in 1950. He was admitted to the practice of law in the State of New York in 1953 and admitted to practice law before the Supreme Court of the United States in 1970.
He served in the Army from 1942-1946 in the European Theater of Operations during World War II, and again, stateside, from 1951-1952 during the Korean conflict. He received a Bronze Star Medal, Army of Occupation Medal, European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, American Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, and a Distinguished Unit Badge. Among the highlights of his military service was his work as a counter intelligence officer; of note was his interrogation of Adolf Hitler’s sister at Hitler’s Eagles Nest in Berchtesgaden, Austria, at the end of World War II.
An accomplished trial attorney, Mr. Martini was a partner in the firm DeWitt, Nast, Diskin and Martini, where he represented The Conde Nast Publications, The New York Herald Tribune and other high-profile media clients.
Following that he was a partner in the law firm, Fogarty, Wynne & Martini in Lake Success.
He also served on the board of the Guild for Exceptional Children.
Surviving are his wife, Barbara A.(Bond) Martini of New Paltz; one son, Francis Martini Jr. and his wife Terry of Annapolis, Md.; two daughters: Millie Martini Bratten and her husband John Bratten of New York City and Jeannette Santander and her husband Raymond Santander of Monroe; grandchildren Daniel F. Martini of Washington, D.C., Elizabeth H. Martini of Rhinebeck, David R. Santander of Monroe, Francis M. Santander of Monroe and Samuel A. Santander of Monroe.
He was predeceased by three brothers: Joseph, Gabriel and Victor Martini; and three sisters: Theresa Cassone, Elizabeth Martini and Jeannette Cassone.
A memorial service was held at Woodland Pond Continuing Care Community on Sept. 20. Inurnment with military honors will be held at Gerald B. H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery in Schuylerville.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations be made in the memory of Francis Edward Martini to The Guild for Exceptional Children, GEC, 260 68th St., Brooklyn, NY 11220 or online at http://www.gecbklyn.org .